Hunt continues for man following attack in woods

Miles O’Leary

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POLICE have thanked the victim of a sex attack for providing information which could lead to the suspect being caught.

As previously reported in The News, a woman in her 20s was assaulted by a man as she walked on a footpath through Great Copse Woods between High Lawn Way and Dunsbury Way.

She was punched and kicked by the man who also indecently touched her.

The terrified woman was able to get away from her attacker.

Though the woman was left upset and shaken, she was not seriously injured.

A number of leads are being pursued by police following the incident at about 8.45am on Friday.

Families are being urged to get in touch if they have concerns about the way a relative has behaved recently.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Kerry Loveless said: ‘We’ve been working with the victim to establish and examine as much detail as possible about the behaviour and features of a suspect. I’d like to thank the woman for her assistance so soon after such an upsetting experience.

‘Her description, coupled with information from members of the public, has prompted a number of promising leads, which officers are following.

‘We would appeal for anyone with concerns about how a relative or friend has been behaving in the past few days to contact police in confidence.

‘I appreciate this can be a difficult decision, but we believe any change in the suspect’s demeanour may be noticeable to people close to him. At this time, this crime remains the only assault of this nature reported to us in Leigh Park recently.

‘It is not being linked to any other offences.

‘No specific threat to schools or children has been identified from our enquiries so far.’

Patrols are still being carried out in the area to reassure the community and in the hope others will come forward.

The suspect was white, had a pale complexion, in his 20s, 5ft 7in and was of a muscular build.

He had short, light blond hair and was wearing a yellow T-shirt and blue jeans.

Witnesses should call police on 101. Alternatively, call the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous.